Binay joins calls for stricter gun laws

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay has joined calls for a stricter enforcement of gun laws in the wake of the death of 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella.

“The law must be enforced to the letter. We have enough laws to penalize but the problem has always been in the enforcement of the laws, especially those on loose firearms. That is the challenge for the PNP (Philippine National Police) and other law enforcement agencies,” Binay said in a statement on Thursday.

The PNP, he said, should exert all efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

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“This incident should not be allowed to become just another statistic,” Binay said, echoing President Benigno Aquino III’s sentiment that Ella’s death was senseless.

Ella died Wednesday, two days after she was hit by a stray bullet in the head.

Initial investigations showed that the incident happened while she was watching fireworks display outside her home in Caloocan during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.